I've lived in Peoria for quite some time, and it's a wonderful community. Always has been. It came into its own under the leadership of Mayor John Keegan, and from that time on has skyrocketed, but carefully. Peoria is a class act. I've used a number of its services and the employees and managment are excellent.
More Upper Education Coming to Peoria
Residents recently learned that the city of Peoria has entered into exclusive negotiating agreements with Huntington University and The College of St. Scholastica to explore the establishment of their respective programs as part of a university consortium in Peoria. The schools are looking to offer complementary undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, exercise science, and digital media as well as a variety of other programs that are in line with Peoria's 2010 Higher Education Feasibility Study, and Economic Development Implementation Strategy (EDIS).
Exciting news. Training in the medical field is needed, and often the waiting list is too long.
And another university is coming to Peoria: Trine University. Trine will open a branch campus near Thunderbird Rd and 83rd Ave by 2013. Trine is a private, non-denominational institution that grants associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in more than 35 programs on campus, online, and at regional education centers.
Peoria Now Newsletter
Just got the Peoria Now newsletter for November, and it has some good tips for staying safe during the holiday shopping season. Here are the tips:

Don't carry more than absolutely necessary in a purse.

Be alert and walk with a purpose. The bad guys seek distracted, inattentive shoppers. If possible, shop with a friend. There is safety in numbers.

Carry a cell phone and be prepared to call the police in case of an emergency.

Ruthann Clemens took me to Fleming's Steakhouse in Peoria recently for a belated birthday gift, and I have to say each visit is better than the previous visit. And the previous visits were amazing.
When we were being seated, she later told me, she took the server aside and mentioned that I have a hearing loss. So from the beginning the server, Dawn Priest, spoke directly to me, and it was wonderful. Dawn was our server in June, as well, and she made quite an impression on me. Splendid quiet competence that speaks to the spirit of Fleming's.
What can I say about the food? I don't believe I've ever had a more tasty, moist, tender steak. And a birthday cake to (almost) die for.
We were impressed with all the people who served us, and with the atmosphere. It is always so pleasant. Some customers were very dressed up, while others wore more casual attire, and we were all treated the same. Like royalty. That makes a difference.
So, a big thanks to Ruthann, and to all the people at Fleming's in Peoria. Perfect West Valley hospitality. And by the way, because we made our reservations online, we each received a significant discount.